The Iraq War began in 2003 when a US-led coalition, including Australia invaded the country. The fall of Saddam Hussein was followed by conflict for much of the next decade. Sectarian violence increased, the brunt of which was borne by members of the Shia minority.

As a result of the violence and increasing civilian casualties, the number of people seeking asylum from Iraq increased dramatically. Even today, Iraq remains unstable and ongoing conflict is displacing tens of thousands of people.

‘He was always on the move, as I told you – he moved a lot – he wanted to find a place where he could feel safe, where he received no threats.’